Not only is it the only Michelin-recommended market stall in Leeds, but The Owl also lays claim to being Kirkgate market's first-ever pub.
Painted all in black, it could be very easy to miss The Owl were it not for the ornate, golden bird of prey knocker on the pub and taproom’s door – and for a little red sticker in the window proudly pronouncing “Michelin’, awarded to the pub at the start of 2021.
But trust us, it’s worth seeking this place out.
First opened by fine dining stars Liz Cottam and Mark Owen in 2019, the pair behind Leeds' Michelin-rated restaurant HOME, The Owl made history in Leeds as the first pub to open inside the iconic city center market in over 150 years.
Nestled in with the traders on Fish & Game Row, it’s the only place (probably) in the city where you can pick up three melons for a quid and also treat yourself to a Michelin-recommended dining experience under one roof.
Having grown up in pubs herself, Cottam has previously said she was 'always drawn' to opening her own - but this is no ordinary pub. Whilst it brands itself as a pub and a taproom, it's so much more too: offering three different menus, spanning lunch, dinner and 'grazing'.
We opted for a spot of mid-afternoon 'grazing'. With a few pints on the side. Obviously.
As part of its pub offering The Owl works in collaboration with Leeds' Northern Monk Brewery, so you'll always be sure to find some special beers on draught here.
The collection of 'grazind tray' dishes comes out in a heavy-looking wooden tray, crammed with all sorts of delights from The Owl’s current game and fish menus.
Currently on tap is their 'Summer of Faith' - a hazy rhubarb shandy that celebrates the best of Yorkshire rhubarb whilst simultaneously being packed full of sweetness - as well as the simply titled 'Faith' pale ale, a big, juicy modern craft ale packed with tropical, citrus and pine flavours.
It all comes out in special pint glasses illustrated with a graphic of Kirkgate market and a cute little owl, a lovely touch. The Faith also worked wonderfully with our grazing tray - which, incidentally, has to be the most affordable option out of their three menus: offering a collection of small plates for just £30.
These can all currently be ordered separately, but we were feeling greedy so we went the whole hog and ordered them all in one. And wow, was it worth it.
Miniature crumpets laden with cod's roe and wild boar jam at The Owl
From miniature crumpets laden with cod's roe and wild boar jam; to baked Lindisfarne oysters and guinea fowl toast with Dale End cheddar, every single plate that came out wowed us - right down to the marmite butter and sticky, malty ale-glazed bread.
When paired with homemade mushroom ketchup, the KFR (Kentucky fried rabbit) became an absolute revelation, its dry gaminess rounded out by lashings of the creamy umami-rich sauce.
Baked Lindisfarne oysters with chef's garnish at The Owl
Our absolute star dish, though, had to be the marinaded north sea bream, served with delicate little pickled onions that had just the perfect amount of crunch.
This is pub food like you've never had it before.
We're aware that fine dining isn't for everyone and we can understand why. That said, we feel like The Owl should be for everyone - or at the very least, for everyone that eats meat (for anyone else, it's worth noting that the veggie options were slim whilst the vegan options were nonexistent).
Meat eaters, though, get stuck in. This is your spot. Surrounded by meat and fish stalls, it should be a given that that was going to be the case, really.
Find out more about The Owl and view its menus here.
Feature image - Dockstreetsigns.
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The world’s smallest pub is opening in Leeds’ biggest beer garden this weekend
A teeny tiny micro-pub is coming to Leeds city centre this bank holiday weekend.
This weekend, from Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 May, Rita’s in Leeds will host the arrival of a travelling micro-pub dubbed the World’s Smallest, beating out World Record holders, in their huge beer garden.
Licor 43's Tiny Taberna features a 2.15m x 1.5m space that has been drawing crowds across the UK for doing something very simple, very well: shrinking the pub experience down to its absolute smallest form and pairing it with one of the country’s most talked-about viral drinks trends.
You won't be able to get your average pint here though, this adorable little bar will only serve Rita’s Mini Beer, commonly known as the Baby Beer.
Image: Supplied
The Baby Beer is a shot made with Licor 43 and topped with a creamy layer to mimic the look of a perfectly poured pint. And trust us, it's just as delicious as it is cute.
Made with Licor 43, mixed with a velvety layer of cream liqueur, the flavour is indulgent with notes of vanilla, caramel and creamy sweetness.
Image: Supplied
You may have seen these drinks online too, with videos of the Baby Beer going viral across social media racking up millions of views.
Styled as a Spanish-inspired bar, the Tiny Taberna invites you to gather with mates, step inside and enjoy a Baby Beer in this immersive and fun space. Obviously, you'll have to take some great pics for the gram too.
Rita’s beer garden, already known as one of the city’s largest, will not only play host to the pint-sized pub, but will also be serving their usual cocktail menu throughout the weekend.
Image: Supplied
The Tiny Taberna will be at Rita’s Leeds for two days only, from Saturday 2nd to Sunday 3rd May, serving Mini Beers from 7-9pm.
The best part? Those who purchase any beer this Bank Holiday weekend will be able to claim a free Mini Beer from the installation with a voucher. We'll see you there.
You can boost your serotonin and cuddle with a litter of Dalmatian puppies in Leeds
Clementine Hall
A pooch therapy session is coming to Leeds where you can cuddle with a litter of adorable Dalmatian puppies.
If you're feeling down in the dumps and looking for a dopamine hit, then there's an event taking place in Leeds just for you.
Pooch Therapy offer a unique and heartwarming initiative dedicated to enhancing the lives of both puppies and humans through specially curated sessions.
Each event includes on hour of play and cuddles with the puppies and are designed to support the early socialisation of puppies while providing participants with a powerful boost to their mental wellbeing.
This Sunday 3 May, 13 Dalmatian puppies will be heading their way to The Woods in Chapel Allerton from 1-2pm for all your cuddling needs.
So get ready for cuddles, snuggles, wagging tails and plenty of spots.
Here's what Pooch Therapy say about the event: "These sessions aren’t just cute, they’re purposeful too. You’ll be helping the puppies through their final stages of socialisation before they head off to their forever homes, while giving yourself a moment to switch off, reset, and soak up some seriously wholesome energy.
"Participants in our sessions enjoy the scientifically backed benefits of animal-assisted therapy. Interacting with playful, affectionate puppies helps reduce stress, elevate serotonin and dopamine levels, and promote an overall sense of calm and happiness.
"Each public event is thoughtfully planned 2-7 weeks in advance to ensure a safe, enriching environment for both the puppies and participants. In addition, we run private events, from care homes, corporates to pop-stars dressing rooms, we deliver moments of joy, connection and wellbeing wherever we go."
Georgina Pellant -
29th July 2021 
